“Questioning authority can hardly be called our national pastime. We even make a philosophy out of fear. Fatalism, destiny, karma... are the favourite cultural holes we hide in when authority flogs us. And what's our tragedy.”

Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, retired

Mahesh Bhatt is an Indian film director, producer and screenwriter in Hindi cinema. Retired from active filmmaking, he became a prominent figure in the 1980s and 1990s for work that often took on unconventional storytelling and bold themes. He directed and produced films that helped define a major phase of mainstream Hindi cinema, while also writing screenplays. His career has been recognized with several honors, including five National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards.